Summit County does not currently have a COVID-19 mass testing site, but it's working with the Ohio Department of Health and the National Guard to get one up and running by next week.
Meanwhile, Summit County Public Health has run out of free testing kits as have all of the county libraries. In the meantime, Public Health Commissioner Donna Skoda says the options are to find a home testing kit at a local pharmacy or grocery or head to Cleveland to its mass testing site.
She says people should not go to the emergency room just to get tested.
“If you don’t have a test and if you’re not feeling well, you should stay home. Wear a mask, stay away from people and at least watch your symptoms for 10 days, 14 days. We tell people to not go to the ER just to get a test because it just totally clogs everything up.”
Skoda says Summit County has PCR testing appointments available through its website. Summit County Public Health has handed out around 45,000 testing kits so far and is awaiting more from the state.
The commissioner is once again stressing the need for people to get vaccinated or boosted.
Lorain County has also run out of the free testing kits that were being distributed through libraries and other local organizations.
Health Commissioner Mark Adams says the only option right now is to try and find a test at a pharmacy or grocery store, as the mass testing site in Cleveland may not be a viable option.
“We were told by the state earlier to direct people to the testing location in Cleveland, but I believe they have also closed down due to the traffic backups and the demand.”
Adams says he does not know when the county will receive more take home tests. He says the state is overwhelmed by requests for tests as demand continues to outstrip supply.
Medina County has PCR testing appointments available through their health center. Those looking for appointments in Medina County can call 330-723-9688.
